Lagos, Nigeria. March 25, 2017 – It is with great honor we unveil the 2017 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) global list to recognize the positive contributions made by people of African descent in public and private sectors worldwide.

MIPAD is a unique global list that identifies, in total, 200 outstanding individuals under 40, with 100 inside Africa, 100 outside Africa in the Diaspora.

Our mission with MIPAD is a build a progressive network of civil society actors to join together and support the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, 2015 – 2024, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/237.

Please join us in congratulating the 2017 MIPAD honorees for their contributions to societies around the world for their resilience and strength in the face of adversity, BRAVO!

The Awards Dinner in honor of the ‘MIPAD Class of 2017’ is slated for September 26th, 2017 in New York City, following the closing of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly. Former U.S. President Barack Obama and current UN Secretary-General António Guterres are expected to attend as keynote speakers.